To Pauline
by George Albert Leddy
(Banquet at Happy Acres)

Now you're pretty and sweet, and you may like your meat,
but two days a week, don't forget:
That vegetable stew, and one egg or two
is all the vitamin-B you will get.
Perhaps if you wish you could substitute fish,
that's really not satisfaction.
I have heard it explained it is good for the brain,
but it's not brains you need now, it's action.

You won't believe what we say, but you'll look back someday
and murmur, "Alas, it is true:
That loves fondest young dreams of peaches and cream
is mostly potatoes in stew."
There is no one to blame and you'll find it the same,
no matter wherever you go.
I'm not speaking in dreams, you see what I mean,
I've been through it and sure aught to know.

Well, Polly be gay and don't mind what we say;
you are fine and we hope all your life
That happy you'll be with your darling Jimmie,
and make him a wonderful wife.
For he is a boy that a girl will enjoy,
no finer young man do I know;
And may God in His love send you joys from above,
and no sorrows may you ever know.

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